Message from Bishop Solis to parents of students in Utah Catholic Schools

Friday, Apr. 24, 2020

Happy Easter!

I hope and pray that you are safe and well in your home.

I would like to speak especially to you, the parents of our beloved students. The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted our lives. Some of you may have lost your jobs, been furloughed, or required to work from home. Many of us have had our sources of income disrupted. All of you are preoccupied with added burdens and concerns, worried about making ends meet. 

It must be hard to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst a very abnormal world. Never in our lives have we been required to suspend our daily routines, to cloister ourselves at home, to shield ourselves from one another, donning masks, gloves and staying six feet apart. We find ourselves cut off from the handshakes, hugs and physical signs of affection that we so generously offer and need. 

On top of all that, you worry for your children. How can you bring to them a sense of normalcy when their lives have been so quickly and radically changed; when their lives of school, sports, clubs, social engagements and volunteerism have been suspended or altered in such a rapid and significant way? Their education is now conducted online. They have lost the immediacy of a conversation with a teacher, mentor or coach. They have lost the ability to hang out with friends, to do works of service in the community, or even to extend a warm embrace to another human being.

 I know that those most deeply affected are your children currently in eighth grade and those seniors in high school. Springtime is traditionally a time of joy and celebration for you and for your children. It is a time to acknowledge your child’s growth and accomplishments – a time for you to see your child through a new lens as he or she matures and completes a significant transition in his or her life. Moving on to high school or to college is one of the major stepping stones that we witness in our children’s life journey. As parents, you have sacrificed and offered patience and unconditional love to get your children to this point. 

At this moment, we are still caught in the web of uncertainty as we learn of changes in the measures of health and safety that our government is asking from us. I am not a parent, and I cannot pretend to understand the heartbreak that you will all experience if you cannot watch your child walk down the aisle at the Cathedral of the Madeleine during the baccalaureate Mass. I cannot imagine the sense of loss that you will feel at not being able to experience that proud moment when you hear your child’s name called out at graduation as they walk to receive their diploma. These are moments that I know that you have dreamed about, that you have looked forward to, and that you have even begun to plan for with tremendous enthusiasm and joy.

However, what I can do is offer you my pledge, that each of our grade schools and high schools will do everything in their power to bring your heartfelt dreams to reality. I can also do my best to assure you that we will do our very best to acknowledge and honor your children as they graduate. Many of you are patiently waiting for answers, dates and details, which are difficult to provide to you at this point. I ask for your continued patience during these unprecedented times as we diligently work to find alternatives and solutions.

To the parents of children at Juan Diego, Judge Memorial and St. Joseph Catholic high schools, please know that I am working closely with the principals of your schools to find ways to maintain your cherished traditions and celebrations. I keep each of you in my prayers. Our faith is what sustains us during difficult times. We find ourselves being tested in new and unusual ways. However, we know that we walk by faith and not by sight. We know that we are always in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that he walks beside us on this journey. I have found in my own life that it is through times such as these that my faith and trust in Jesus Christ flourishes.

Let us seek God’s blessing and pray to Our Lady for her protection, guidance and strength during these difficult times. 

God bless you all.

To view Bishop Solis' video message, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLLPJcV1UqU&feature=youtu.be